The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-14
AMALGAMATION OF MINERS.
Possible Union of the Miners National Fe
Grafton aud N. D A. LIE. k of T..

Possible Union of the Miners National Fed
eration and N. d. A. 135, TX. of L.
Special to the indianapolis journal
BRAZIL. Ind, Nov. 12-The coal miners Of
the United States, far organized, are di-
vided upon two national orders-the Federated
Association of Miners and Mine Laborers, and
District Assembly 135. knights Of Labor. The
latter is the older and stronger in numbers
claiming membership of $4,000 The former
organized in 1885, in a revolt against the
theory of strikes, then foundation principle of
the latter. Beginning with Indiana, it has in
cludsd important districts in Illinois, Ohio and
Pennsylvania. It has been quite successful in
doing away with strikes and in securing for
miners in its territory steady work and in
creased wages In fact, Indirectly at least, this
influence has extended to all miners who, in
the more quiet condition of things, have found
steader work, and. the strength of the bet
ter pay of federation miners, have obtained ap-
@proxirnata seyances. a serious drawback with
both orders, however. has been their sepa-
ration from ieach other in councils for
the good of both Hence a movement
has been on foot almost from the start to unite
the two in some way. First the assembly tried
tee power of main strength. when the fedora
ton was weak to gobble up its young rival.
Failing in this the former adopted the princi-
Piles of arbitration of the latter and thus
invited union in name. since the object was COM
mon. This has succeeded better. A PROPOSE
ton from the latter for conference between
the executive boards of the two orders a year
ago refused. In Septembe Der last a circular
was issued at the third annual convention OF the
federation suggesting the propriety of
tional mass meeting in January next, and invit-
ing the assembly to join in the call. Willingness
to waive all claims as an organization was
pressed, well as the hope that the wisdom of the
majority. whose right to govern was recognized,
would unite all in one organization for the sake
of unity and harmony. Under date of Oct. "a
the assembly replied, through proper officers,
suggesting meeting of executive boards at
some convenient time, TO draft plan of action
to be submitted to both orders for final action
just prior to the meeting of federation operat-
and miners next February. Replying to
this the assemblys executive board is invited
meet with that of the other order, at Colum-
bus, the 10th inst, the object being ian hon
est attempt to amaleamate our mining forces.
IN a call for convention of miners
and mine laborers regardless of existing
orders. in order TO map out a plan of
action for the future organization of their
choice. 1t is generally believed that the meet
Jog will take place. The convention will likely
be held in Indianapolis, in January or Febru-
ary. In the event OF new organization being
created, the Knights of Labor NAV lose the as
sembiy in body, while on the other hand the
arbitration order that has done so much for
miners and operators both may be abandoned,
although it's growing and right principles are
sure to be ingrafted into the new order